Washington—Amnesty International
USA (AIUSA) is calling for fast passage of a landmark House Concurrent
Resolution condemning human rights abuses based on real or perceived sexual
orientation or gender identity. Reps. Tom Lantos (D-CA) and Christopher Shays
(R-Conn.) will reintroduce the resolution at a press conference this Thursday,
November 20, at 9:30 a.m., 2200 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.

While recognizing the need to fully protect LGBT rights
in this country, this resolution also notes the US government’s obligation
to promote global LGBT human rights. The resolution calls on the State
Department to continue to improve its documentation of human rights abuses
based on sexual orientation and gender identity and to develop a comprehensive
strategy to combat these abuses internationally.

“Some 70 countries still criminalize homosexuality,”
said Michael Heflin, Director of Amnesty International USA’s OUTfront
Program. “Punishments under these statutes in some cases include torture and
even the death penalty. Discrimination and violence against LGBT people by
authorities and civilians remains widespread throughout much of the world.
States’ failure to hold perpetrators accountable creates a climate of
impunity and violates international standards that require states to protect
the human rights of all their citizens.”

Congressional supporters of the resolution cite a number
of egregious examples of LGBT abuse and mistreatment, among them: the ongoing
persecution and entrapment via the Internet of gay men in Egypt; the
continuing murders of transgender persons in Honduras, often at the hands of
the police; and the imprisonment of a young gay human rights defender in
Uzbekistan.

“Sexual orientation and gender identity are fully
embedded in the overall human rights norms defined in international
conventions to which the US is party,” said Heflin. “Unfortunately, the US
has failed to lead, at home and abroad, the advancement of LGBT human rights.
Passing this resolution and implementing its recommendations will go a long
way toward helping the US change this sad legacy.”